Retrospective 2: Here she saw, in Herisau

Grotere kaart weergeven

20th June 2010

Switzerland was astoundingly beautiful. There was no avoiding the nature (but,why would you want to?) and the breathtaking views at every turn. I would love to go back some day for a little bit longer. Tranquil, connected and blissful. Some photos from my first day in Herisau, Laura's home town.

The view from Laura's apartment living room.

The view from Laura's kitchen window.

A little meander through the village.

Just down the road from Laura's place, the cows graze, in sunny bliss.

Herisau

Herisau

A visual merchandising delight: Chocolate in the local Herisau Supermarket

Retrospective #1: World Cup 2010 Finale

11th July 2010, World Cup Finale, Oranje (NL) Vs The Red Fury (ESP)

The first time in 32 years that Holland has reached the Finals.

The cycle from my hood, to Museumplein to join 160,000 other peeps, the shower of orange flowers, and the escape from claustrophobia to a cosier neighborhood street party in the Old South.

3.30pm: The Brown Bar opposite my house starts to buzz.

6.05pm: "I'll meet you at Museumplein in ten mins.. Wait, there's how many people there?! Do you think we should change the plans???" ; Corner of Bilderdijkstraat and De Clerqstraat

4.08pm: A pretty orange peacock; Corner of Bilderdijkstraat and De Clerqstraat

4:10pm: Museumplein, facing the West

4:11pm: Museumplein facing the Rijksmuseum

8:00pm: A great address for watching the madness, Museumplein

8:25pm: Museumplein facing the Rijksmuseum

8:27pm: The choppers convene for the shower of Orange, Museumplein

8:29pm: Let it rain, let it rain, let it rain, Museumplein

9:35pm: Escaped the claustrophobia to a neighborhood widescreen party in the Old South

Fly in, Fly out

There are things you do in life that you never thought you would do. Or have the opportunity to do. Or rather, be GIVEN the opportunity to do.

This is mostly what this blog is about. Taking the time to sit back and lament about the things that my eyes see, my hands touch, my ears hear, and appreciating the moments, the gestures, the experiences.

I went to Manchester this morning for work. I came back from Manchester this evening. I was in another country for approximately 7.5 hours.

I woke up at 6 am and cycled myself and my briefcase to a train station, got on a aeroplane to England and spent the day in discussions with an advertising agency about how to creatively solve some commercial concerns that my company are experiencing. I got back on an aeroplane and then cycled me and my briefcase back home. I was home by 8pm.

Bizarre.

Buzz Words - Buzz off

I accidentally used a marketing term in a Skype conversation with my friend Vanessa this evening, in reference to a person we both know.

"I mean, her USP is based on the fact that she... oh my god. I did not just say that did I?"

Oh yes Rani. Yes - you - did.

USP.

It stands for Unique Selling Point.

I am now talking to my friends in such manner that I am describing people like products in an advertising brief.

I think it's time for a holiday.

Today's forecast:

"Steamy with an afternoon change in fortune."


There's a change in the air here in Amsterdam.

The weather has been flitting from sunny and lazy, to humid and steamy.

This is the type of weather whereby I become the 5th element. I am so in my element, that I feel like a completely different person.

I know a change is on the cards. I don't know what, but I can feel it.

(Artwork by one of my favourite visual artists, Chloe Early. It describes exactly how I am feeling right now.)

Baby's first digital leash

Triumph or tragedy?

I have been given a Blackberry for work.

I resisted. Ooh, how I resisted. I was like Scarlett O'Hara, under Rhett Butler's charming clutches; struggling, fussing, cussing.

When they asked me if I wanted one, I said "no, thanks."

When they suggested, I said "how about a good old fashioned Nokia instead? You can call anytime between Monday and Friday - 8.30am until 5.30pm. Email access is overated. Calendar synchronisation is an organisational myth!"

Then it turned into more of an issue, like "If you had a Blackberry, and responded to your email at 8.35 this morning, situation X might not have turned out like that" and then I knew, it was more like "Organise one, or perhaps organise another job."

I relented.

I think this is part and parcel of the "growing up" thing.

I would still like to think that I have not lost ownership of my soul, free time, or dignity by being in possession of this black plastic device. Allow me to be disillusioned for at least a minute.

At least I know (and now you all know) I didn't sell out; I got beaten down.

So, the company has me on a digital leash.

At least it's shiny.

1 in 160,000

I watched the first half of the 2010 World Cup Final in the vicinity of 159,999 ( approximately) other people. It rained orange flowers. Pictures to come.

Lions, Tigers and Bears - Oh My!